PNoy instructs DPWH to restore road network in NegOr

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Feb 8 (PIA) – President Benigno Aquino III has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials to submit next week the connectivity plan to restore the road network destroyed by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Negros Oriental on February 6.

During the disaster management meeting with the President today, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said, the agency will mobilize 15 teams composed of engineers, local government units and national government agencies to assess and inspect the roads, bridges, schools and other establishments for the safety of people.

Thirteen bridges on the national road were damaged in Negros Oriental due to the earthquake that hit the province on Feb 6, Singson said.

On the other hand, Department of Telecommunications Secretary Mar Roxas reported that there are two (2) coast guard vessels and one (1) helicopter deployed in affected areas to bring the relief goods and rescue teams to La Libertad and Guihulngan City.

Roxas committed to repair ports of the province if needed. He is just waiting for the report coming from the Cebu Port Authority.

Relief goods for the victims and rescue teams from Cebu arrived today in Guihulngan through the Philippine Navy, said Secretary Dinky Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Phivolcs chief Dr. Renato Solidum presented the tsunami hazard map of NegOr during the disaster management meeting. He also explained the movement of the earthquake and the things to prepare if an earthquake occur in an area. (mbcn/hfg/PIA-7)